Celebration of Light Vancouver Fireworks 2011 Road Closures

This Saturday the annual fireworks spectacle will descend upon the West End (See this year’s schedule here) and with it comes the inevitable gridlock and parking restrictions. My best advice is to you is to take public transit as driving is simply foolish. Or you can simply watch from other view points and avoid the pedestrian crowds altogether (our list of the Best Places to Watch The Celebration of Lights). However, for those of you who simply can’t get out of your car here are the traffic and road closures courtesy of Vancouver Fireworks.

Traffic and Road Closures

Vehicle access into the West End will be limited to residents who can prove residency through car registration or a resident permit parking decal from 7:30PM on event nights.

Vehicle access into Kits point will be limited to residents who can prove residency through car registration or a resident permit parking decal, from 6:00PM on event nights.

All other vehicles will not be allowed vehicle access into these two areas on event nights after closures. There will be strict enforcement of parking regulations in Resident Permit areas. Please pay close attention to all parking restrictions or your vehicle will be towed and that’s never a nice way to end your night.

Please refer to the Road Closures map for resident access points into the restricted areas. All Traffic Barricades will be controlled by volunteers – please be nice and remember they’re doing their best to make this a safe experience for everyone!

Getting There

Public Transit, cycling or walking are the best ways to enjoy the Celebration of Light from the prime viewing areas! Prime viewing areas include English Bay, Kits Point, Vanier Park, and various locations around the West End, Sunset Beach and Stanley Park.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Additional transit services will be put into place to help with the large volume of transit users on event nights. Please visit Translink to learn more about routes and schedules.

BIKE VALET

Help keep the Fireworks Green by bringing your bike and beating the crowds!
We will be expanding the popular Bike Valet program this year and adding more convenient locations — check back for updates!

DRIVING

If you plan to drive, leave plenty of time to find parking and get to a good viewing spot. Traffic will be redirected in the Kitsilano and West End areas and you may have to plan an alternate route. If you can, try to carpool with friends and neighbours and be prepared to walk a distance from your parking spot!
Use extra care when driving in the area and watch out for cyclists and pedestrians. Please refer to the road closure map for access restrictions in the West End and Kits Point.

Motorists are NOT permitted to stop on any city bridge to view the fireworks, as it is a serious safety and traffic flow concern.

Image: A Lady’s Life